Streamium MC-i200 Micro Provides Simple Computer-Free Access to the Vast Range of Online Music Services
Dubai, UAE – March 3, 2003 – Philips is showcasing the Streamium MC-i200 Micro, the world’s first micro hi-fi system capable of connecting to multiple online music services at the touch of a button, at the Global Entertainment and Media Exhibition in Dubai this week.
The Streamium MC-i200 can easily connect to any of the vast range of radio stations currently online, as well as to the many premium digital music services being launched by the world’s major content providers. This combination of content options will allow consumers to choose their online music listening, either via personalised radio stations or from play lists of personally selected music stored in a secure ‘online jukebox’ that is streamed to the system.
“Philips is opening up the Internet to offer far more than just a PC-based browsing system experience,” explained Olivier Delahaye, Regional General Manager Consumer Electronics, Philips Electronics Middle East and Africa. “The Streamium MC-i200 fits into that vision as a further example of this future which will apply Internet connectivity and online content to all our audio-video products in the years ahead.”
Always-On Broadband Access
The Streamium MC-i200 connects directly to a DSL broadband Internet service via cable linked through a home network router, now widely available commercially.
Since the Streamium-i200 uses a broadband connection, the system offers ‘always-on’ access to online music services. By simply pressing the ‘connect’ button, the system starts automatically streaming music as easily as a conventional tuner selects a broadcast radio station.
Broadband connectivity also enables consumers to play MP3 or MP3PRO files stored on a PC or other storage device on a dedicated hi-fi product with the high-quality audio performance only such a system can offer.
Unprecedented Access to Vast Online Music Content
Philips has reached agreements with seven of the world’s leading providers of personalised broadband Internet-based music distribution to provide music fans unprecedented access to their huge array of online music content through the Philips Streamium MC-i200.
Digital connectivity enables the Streamium MC-i200 to receive aggregated streaming audio content and other additional services and features from Philips and its seven partners: AOL Music, Launch, Andante, MP3.com, MUSICMATCH, Radio Free Virgin and iM Networks.
“These companies – along with others that we are lining up – make the Philips Streamium MC-i200 a truly unique concept in the world of home audio entertainment. We are taking online music and, for the first time, streaming it via a dedicated micro hi-fi system, with all the sound quality and audio enjoyment that that will entail,” continued Delahaye.
Stylishly Functional Micro System
In addition to opening up the world of online audio, the Philips Streamium MC-i200 Internet audio system also offers everything a consumer wants in a stylish micro system, including CD and MP3-CD playback from both CD-R and CD-RW discs and a conventional FM/AM tuner.
Via its large, five-line LCD display, the Streamium MC-i200 continuously shows information on the music being played, such as the artist’s name and song title, regardless of whether the track is being streamed or being played from a CD.
Delivering 100 watts of RMS music output, the Streamium MC-i200 combines high-quality aluminium alloy speakers cones with Philips’ acclaimed wOOx™ proprietary loudspeaker technology, which marries dual-suspension base radiators with dedicated amplifier circuitry to produce lower, louder and more enjoyable base performance than other hi-fi systems.
The Streamium MC-i200 will be launched in the Middle East in xxxx, 2003.
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About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is one of the world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of EUR 31.8 billion in 2002. It is a global leader in color television sets, lighting, electric shavers, medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring, and one-chip TV products. Its 170,000 employees in more than 60 countries are active in the areas of lighting, consumer electronics, domestic appliances, components, semiconductors, and medical systems. Philips is quoted on the NYSE (symbol: PHG), London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter
For more information please contact:
Geraldine Jolivet
Philips Electronics Middle East and Africa
Geraldine.jolivet@philips.com
Tel: 04 - 33 53 666
Fax: 04 – 309 5160
© Press Release 2003
